Walking/wading staff with integral fishing net

ABSTRACT

A telescopic wading staff with a full size, integral fishnet is disclosed. The preferred embodiment includes a retractable, extensible pole that can be moved between a first, fully compacted (retracted) configuration for transport or storage and second, fully extended configuration for wading, especially when traversing a stream or riverbed for fly-fishing. Other embodiments include a hook extension from the lower staff end for retrieving tangled lines, lures and the like.

This continuation-in-part application claims priority to U.S.non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/482046 filed May 29, 2012, whichclaims priority U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/520,209filed on Jun. 6, 2011, entitled WADING STAFF WITH INTEGRAL FISHING NET,the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Disclosed is a device for sportsmen who want or need to use a walkingstaff to reach their favorite fishing spots, but are reluctant to useone because a walking staff would add another piece of equipment to thealready numerous pieces of fishing gear to carry. This inventionprovides for a walking/wading staff with a fully sized, integralfishnet.

Fishing whether onshore or in the water is a popular pastime thatrequires transporting multiple pieces of fishing gear to a desiredfishing spot, usually at a location that is somewhat inconvenient forwalking. In the course of arriving at that site, sportsmen traversewoods, sloped hills and ragged shores before finding their ideal fishinglocation, while usually wearing rubbery boots/footgear. On suchtravails, these sportsmen encounter uneven terrain with rocks andstones, riverbeds with hidden foot-catching crevices and slippery streambottoms; any of which may cause them to lose balance and fall. There isa need for standard piece of fishing equipment that can double as awalking staff, so as not to burden fishermen with an extra piece ofgear.

The net portions of the present invention are directionally distinctfrom those shown in Heritage U.S. Pat. No. 752,550. In Harris U.S. Pat.No. 1,258,632, a small “landing net”, element 11, is depicted. Thewalking cane of Watterson U.S. Pat. No. 2,033,408 includes a pocket/bagfor other sporting reasons.

Lee U.S. Pat. No. 7,269,921 describes a boat anchoring device for afishing net. FIG. 1 of Lee shows and the specification (column 5 lines5-67, column 6 lines 30-5 ; and column 8 lines 11-29) describes pins atboth ends of a fishing net that are used as connectors so that thefishing net can be hung on anchoring devices. The pin connectors in Leeare configured to cooperate with and connect to boat anchoringconnectors to enable the fishing net to be releasably connected to theboat anchoring device (claim 1). Nothing in Lee teaches or suggests thatthe pins are handles or can be used as handles to enable the fishing netto be used as a walking staff, or that the boat anchoring device can inany way be effective for supporting a person for the purpose of walking.The device in Lee does not solve the problem of needing a standard pieceof fishing equipment that can double as a walking staff.

Several known fishing rod-walking cane configurations includes those inEdgerly U.S. Pat. No. 475,852; Lobit U.S. Pat. No. 849,481; GrandjeanU.S. Pat. No. 1,972,518; Demetris U.S. Pat. No. 7,210,264 and GoveroPending application Ser. No. 11/681,476. Meanwhile, Kelley Pendingapplication Ser. No. 09/776,866 focused on a particular “survival stick”for fly-fishing.

Telescopically extending or folding fishnets are the focus of MorsethU.S. Pat. No. 2,595,597; Gerritsen U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,177 and DePoeU.S. Pat. No. 6,032,399 while Needham U.S. Pat. No. 6,898,891 andEricksen U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,538 showed hooks for fishing tools and/orwading staffs. Finally, Thomas U.S. Pat. No, 7,395,629 showed a combinedfishing accessory with numerous elements, even an added light.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fishnet that can also be efficientlyused as a walking/wading staff. The fishing net staff has the typicalrounded frame that holds a full size, fully deployed (i.e., notretractable or foldable) fishnet and uses the traditional elongated“handle” as a support pole that may or may not be telescopicallycollapsible, or otherwise compactable. The improvement disclosed is thatthe proximal end of the frame is comprised of a handle specifically forthe sportsmen to grip while using the support pole of the fishing netstaff to brace themselves while walking, wading, or hiking on dry landtrails to or from their favorite fishing site. It preferred that thesupport pole be compactable and more preferred that the support pole betelescopic. Being compactable allows the fishing net staff to be moreeasily stored on a person especially while wading in the water. Thedisclosed device may further include a hook extension for retrievingotherwise out-of-reach fishing lines and lures.

In a preferred embodiment of the embodiment of the fishing net staff,the pole has a structurally supportive telescopic design that includes aplurality of interconnecting elongated segments that move slidably intelescopic manner relative to one another from a first, fully compacted(or retracted) configuration, to an intermediate length, to a final,fully extended configuration. Preferably, these pole segments easily,yet temporarily interlock to one another after being slid into anextended use position so as to support a person who is using the fishingnet staff as a walking or wading stick. It is not necessary to lock thesegments together while in a retracted/compacted state. In fact, theopposite may be preferred. Segments that are locked together whilecompressed will slow down the speed at which these staffs may bedeployed for safer walking/wading and/or extended fish catching.

The aforementioned staff may be made from one or more functionalmaterials. Preferred versions are made from metal, i.e. aluminum orstainless steel. Alternate versions have staff sections made from carbonfiber, fiberglass or plastic. Fancier, more natural versions may havecomponents made from hardwood or bamboo.

Preferably, the fishing net staff further includes an integral hook ator close to the staff's distal (bottom) end. When extended/extractedfrom the staff, this hook may be used to retrieve a badly cast fishingline or lure otherwise tangled in brush or trees beyond the fisherman'snormal reach. It may also be used to gather in snagged hats, apparel orpossibly small rafts and other equipment that has started to float/driftaway. This hook may be integrally built into one staff segment and mostpreferably made fully (or at least partially) retractable so as to causeless interference with brush during transport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fishing net staffwith an un-segmented pole support and a rod shaped handle;

FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff withan un-segmented pole support directly aligned with handle;

FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff withan un-segmented pole support and ergonomic hook shaped handle;

FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff withan un-segmented pole support and a non-aligned handle with awrist/forearm rest;

FIG. 5a is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fishing net staffwith a segmented pole support fully extended;

FIG. 5b is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fishing net staffwith a segmented pole support with intermediate extension;

FIG. 5c is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fishing net staffwith a segmented pole support fully retracted;

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of one embodiment of fishing net staffwith a distally extending hook;

FIG. 6b is a front view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff witha perpendicular hook;

FIG. 7a is a preferred embodiment of a retractable hook in a closedposition; and

FIG. 7b is a preferred embodiment of a retractable hook in an openedposition.

Further features, objectives and advantages of the present inventionwill become clearer when referring to the following detailed descriptionmade with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention solves a problem encountered by many fishermenduring their day of sport/relaxation. While walking/wading throughstreams, ponds, marshes, swamps, and river or lake shores, they run intounseen perils including sharp rocks, litter and other foreign objects,tree branches, and surprise terrain drop-offs any of which may cause thefishermen to fall and risk serious bodily injury. Such perils may beaverted by using a walking/wading staff for better balance. It may provedifficult, however, for one to carry his/her own tackle box, fishingrod/reel, netting and several other accessories while traversing toone's favorite fishing spot. The present invention alleviates theseproblems.

Disclosed is a fishing net device that can also function as awalking/wading staff. It comprises a handle situated over the fishingnet on the side opposite of the traditional “handle” which doublyfunctions as a support pole. The handle can be any shape capable ofbeing grasped by a human hand for effectuating the purpose of walking;for example the handle can be a rod shape, a billy club shape, or a bellfountain shape. Handle shapes that enable a person to easily andcomfortably use the fishing net as a walking stick are contemplated bythe invention. For example, the handle may also have a nub on top. Thehandle can also be an ergonomic shape such as a hook or Fritz handle.The handle may or may not have finger indentations. The handle may havegrips or be textured. Though the handle can be placed anywhere onproximal end of frame, preferably the handle is placed centrally indirect alignment with the support pole. Alternatively, a non-centrallyplaced handle can be used. Either may be used with or without awrist/forearm rest support.

Though the accompanying drawings show one preferred fishnet shape frame(i.e., teardrop), it should be understood that any other size and shapeof a fishnet frame may be substituted for the frame as shown in thedrawings. Likewise the invention contemplates using any style, length ordepth of netting. The support pole for the present invention can be anynon-compactable or compactable style as long as the fully extended polelength is in a range to be a useful walking/wading staff for adulthumans. Some embodiments of a non-compactable style include a solidpole, a hollow pole, or a pole made of segments that can be twistedtogether and apart like many common pool cue sticks. However, it ispreferable that pole be compactable and it is most preferred that thepole be telescopic. Having a compactable fishing net staff is preferredfor easy storage on one's person or with one's fishing gear.

Another problem experienced by many fishermen, especially those whofly-fish or stream fish on foot, is line/lure snagging. When castingsget caught on a branch a few feet above normal reaching level, a polehook can become quite useful. Yet another problem for standing/wadingsportsmen involves reach. A windblown hat, loose floating object, evensmall raft may be more easily retrieved with a pole hook. The hook ispreferably a retractable hook located at the distal end of the polesupport. Any way to retract the hook known in art is contemplated byinvention. The hook can extend either in the distal direction or in adirection perpendicular (to the side of) to the support pole.

The examples set forth in the drawings show only some possibilities forpresent embodiments. After studying same, still further inventionvariations may be made clear.

In FIG. 1, an embodiment of the fishing net staff 8 is comprised onframe 1 which holds net 2. On the top or proximal portion 6 of frame 1is connected handle 4 with nub S attached. On the bottom or distalportion 7 of frame 1 is un-segmented support pole 3. In FIG. 2 isdepicted an embodiment of the fishing net staff 10 is depicted withhandle 12 connected to frame 14 in direct alignment with un-segmentedsupport pole 13 also connected to frame 14.

Handle and elongated support pole can be connected to fishnet frame viawelding, melting, physical attachment (i.e. bolting) and/or strongadhesive depending on the materials selected for making respectivecomponents. Alternatively, the handle and elongated poles can be part ofone piece contiguous piece with the frame. The fishing net staff shouldminimally measure about four feet; and more preferably between 48 to 60inches in total length. The handle of the fishing net staff can beroughly 4 to 6 inches, in length and about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.However, to accommodate smaller sized hands, handles of less than 4inches and smaller diameters are also contemplated by the invention.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict fishing staff embodiments with different handledesigns. FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the fishing net staff 15 with ahandle 16 that is an ergonomic hook design. On the top or proximalportion 17 of frame 18 is connected handle 16. On the bottom or distalportion 19 of frame 18 is un-segmented support pole 11. FIG. 4 depicts afishing net 20 staff with a handle 21 that is not directly aligned withthe support pole 22. On the bottom or distal portion 23 of frame 24 isun-segmented support pole 22. On the top or proximal portion 26 of frame24 is connected handle 21 located off to the side of the midline 27 offishing net staff 20. Some embodiments of this design may furthercomprise wrist/forearm rest 28. The handles for fishing net staff can beany feasible design (such as the ones described above) that can be usedfor a walking /wading staff and are not limited to the ones depicted inthese figures.

In a preferred embodiment of the embodiment of the fishing net staff,the pole has a structurally supportive telescopic design that includes aplurality of interconnecting elongated segments that move slidably in atelescopic manner relative to one another from a first, fully compacted(or retracted) configuration, to an intermediate length, to a final,fully extended configuration. For elongated telescopic poles, preferredembodiments include pole supports with three segments. FIG. 5 depictsone embodiment of a fishing net staff with a segmented support pole thattelescopically retracts. In FIG. 5a , fully extended fishing staff 30 iscomprised of frame 31 which holds net 32. On the top or proximal portion33 of frame 31 is connected handle 34 with nub 35 attached. On thebottom or distal portion 36 of frame 31 is segmented support pole 37.Support pole 37 is comprised of bottom segment 38 which includes butt39, middle segment 40, and top segment 41 which connects to the bottomor distal portion 36 of frame 31. To retract, bottom segment 38 firstslides into middle segment 40 until it reaches the butt 39 to formcombined segment 42. FIG. 5b shows this partial retraction. Then thecombined segment 42 is pushed through top segment 41 over net 32 and isstopped by butt 39 as depicted in FIG. 5 c.

It is preferred that the telescopic fishing net staff range between 48to 60 inches in total length. When fully compacted onto itself, it ispreferred that overall staff length range between about 20 to 30 inches.For a three-segmented support pole the bottom and middle segments shouldmeasure about 16 to 22 inches in length, and the top segment shouldmeasure about 3 to 9 inches in total length. If overall smaller,telescopic segments are preferred (for materials selection and rigidityreasons), depending on the size of respective segments, four or moresegments/sections may be substituted.

Though not clearly visible in the accompanying drawings, adjacent staffsegments maybe made to easily “lock” together using an orifice with amated, spring-loaded ball. Alternate interconnecting means includespring-loaded pins and orifices, threaded lock rings and/or force fit,interlocking ends. Preferably, these pole segments easily, yettemporarily interlock to one another after being slid into an extendeduse position so as to support a person who is using the fishing netstaff as a walking or a wading stick. It is not necessary to lock thesegments together while in a retracted/compacted state. In fact, theopposite may be preferred. Segments that are locked together whilecompressed will slow down the speed at which these staffs may bedeployed for safer walking/wading and/or extended fish catching.

In one preferred case, the staff proper is made from aluminum orstainless steel. Alternately, various components may be manufacturedfrom polymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene(HDPE), polypropylene, nylon, steel, fiberglass carbon fiber or othercomposites. More “natural”, aesthetic versions may have hardwood orbamboo components. The composition and the design of the fishing netstaff should work together so that it can be structurally supportive tobrace a person while walking over challenging terrain.

FIG. 6 depicts preferred embodiments of the fishing net staff with ahook on the distal end. A hook is useful for retrieving poorly castfishing lines/lures, fishing gear/apparel or any other equipment thataccidentally floats away while wading in the water. FIG. 6a shows anembodiment of fishing staff 50 with hook 51 positioned within butt 56 onsupport pole 60 extending distally. In distally extending hookembodiments, the hook needs be retractable so that the fishing net staffcan effectively function as a walking stick. FIG. 7 shows a preferredretractable method/embodiment. In the closed position portrayed in FIG.7a , connected to support pole 60 is butt 56 made up of cylinder 58 andnub 59, has opening 57 in which hook 51 rests and through which hook 51can swing out into the distal position. In FIG. 7b hook 51 is in theopen position extending distally from opening 57 in nub 59. Themechanism to swing out hook 51 can be a lever release mechanism, aspring release mechanism or any mechanism known in the art.Alternatively, the hook 53 may extend perpendicular to the support pole54 from butt 62 as shown for fishing staff 55 in FIG. 6b . Preferablyhook 53 is partially or fully retractable.

One object of this invention is to provide a new and improved walkingstaff-fishnet combination. Another provides a walking/wading/hikingstaff with its own, fully sized, fully functional fly-fishing net. Yetanother object is to provide a walker-fishnet combination that isrelatively inexpensive to manufacture so that the consuming public(mostly sportsmen) will reap the reward of safer, strolling to and fromone's favorite fly-fishing “spots”.

A combined walking staff/net for fly-fishing enthusiasts has beendescribed, While enhancing anyone's abilities to hike on rugged terrain,it most benefits those sportsmen susceptible to slipping and losingtheir firm footing when passing through cold running streams on theirway to anchoring in said streams for repeated fly-fishing castings.While sportsmen wade in shallow waters to their preferred casting sites,the fishing net staff of this invention, when firmly held by its handlecan help locate many underwater perils by feel.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplaryembodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art willreadily recognize from the accompanying drawings and claims that variouschanges or modifications and variations can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of this invention. The described embodimentsare to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and notrestrictive. The present invention may be embodied in other specificforms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics.Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except bythe appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fishing net that is capable of serving asa walking staff, said fishing net comprising: a net frame comprised of aproximal portion and a distal portion, a handle connected to theproximal portion of the net frame for effecting the purpose of walking;said handle being of a sufficient length such that said handle iscapable of extending at least completely through a grip of a human handformed with four fingers of the human hand wrapped generally parallelaround the handle with the handle touching each of the four fingers; andan elongated support pole connected to the distal portion of the netframe.
 2. The fishing net of claim 1 wherein the elongated support poleis compactable.
 3. The fishing net of claim 1 wherein at least a portionof the elongated support pole extends and retracts telescopically. 4.The fishing net of claim 1 wherein the handle is an ergonomic hook. 5.The fishing net of claim 1, wherein the proximal portion of the netframe further comprises a wrist/forearm rest.
 6. The fishing net ofclaim 1 wherein a distal end of the elongated support pole includes aretrieving hook.
 7. The fishing net of claim 6 wherein the retrievinghook is fully retractable when not in use.
 8. The fishing net of claim 7wherein the retrieving hook extends in a distal direction from theelongated support pole.
 9. The fishing net of claim 7 wherein theretrieving hook extends perpendicular to the elongated support pole. 10.The fishing net of claim 1 wherein the staff is made from a materialselected from the group consisting of: carbon fiber, fiberglass,plastic, metal, composite and combinations thereof.
 11. The fishing netof claim 1, which is further comprised of a hook retractably extendingfrom the elongated support pole.
 12. The fishing net of claim 1 whereinsaid elongated support pole is comprised of a plurality of lockable,telescopic segments, wherein the staff is at least 48-60 inches longwhen the elongated support pole is fully extended; and ranges in lengthbetween about 20-30 inches when the elongated support pole is fullyretracted.
 13. The fishing net of claim 1 wherein said handle is ofsufficient longitudinal length and diameter such that said longitudinallength of said handle is adapted to pass completely across a gripcreated with a user's hand for effecting the purpose of walking withoutthe user's hand grasping said net frame.
 14. A fishing net/walking staffcombination comprising: a net having a proximal portion and a distalportion, an elongated support pole comprised of a distal end and aproximal end, said proximal end is connected to the distal portion ofthe net frame via a top segment, and a handle that can be grasped by ahuman hand and that is connected to the proximal portion of the netframe, the handle is used for gripping for effecting the purpose ofwalking; said handle cooperates with the net frame and elongated supportpole to support a person when used as a walking staff, wherein thehandle is rod-shaped and is further comprised of a nub having a diameterlarger than a diameter of the handle and sharing a common centerlinewith the handle, wherein the elongated support pole is comprised of atleast two retractable telescopic segments, wherein a first segmentslides into a second segment to form a combined segment and the combinedsegment slides through the top segment of the distal portion of the netframe, whereby the staff is then fully retracted.
 15. The fishingnet/walking staff combination of claim 14 further comprised of a hookthat retractably extends from the elongated support pole.
 16. Thefishing net/walking staff of claim 14 wherein a diameter of the handleis at least approximately one inch.
 17. The fishing net/walking staff ofclaim 14 wherein said handle further comprises: a terminal end adjacentthe nub with a diameter greater than a primary diameter of said handle.